LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

How can I start living a healthy lifestyle?

Student life can be full of new and exciting experiences. There's often lots going on. It's important to take the time to look after yourself.
Which bring us to the first point. Managing our own stress

Managing stress

You might feel like there's a lot of pressure to do well academically. And pressure to be sociable.
Try to build up strategies to manage stress before it gets too much. This can make it easier to respond to additional pressure
– For example, around exam times.

• Try out some mindfulness exercises. There's lots of evidence to suggest these can be really helpful, especially for managing stress.
  Take a look at our mindfulness pages for more information.
• Try using a planner. This can help to keep track of deadlines and key commitments and organise your study.
• Take time out to relax. Getting away from your desk, even for short periods of time, can help keep you calm.
• Keep an eye on social commitments to avoid overloading your schedule around deadlines and exams.
• Try online support and apps. There are lots of apps and websites available that can help you to manage your stress levels.
  For example, by offering a daily meditation or mindfulness practice.

For more tips, you may watch the short animated video below

Try to get good sleep

If you're tired, things might feel harder to manage. Getting into a regular sleep routine can help you stay on top of university life.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a balanced and varied diet can help you feel well and think clearly.
You may face additional struggles looking after your diet and exercise if you have eating problems or a diagnosed eating disorder.

Exercise regularly

Keeping active can help you improve your mental health. Even gentle exercise, like yoga or swimming, can help you relax and manage stress.